Simon Says Stamp | Sweet Garden Birds
Hello, friends. We are safe. I know I haven’t posted much in the last few days, but truth be told – I just couldn’t pull myself together. I wish we can go back to a normal, regular, monotonous life. We are all doing our best, everyone is coping the best they can. I find that I am a lot less productive now, although I try and keep myself occupied with work. Nonetheless, I don’t think I’ve ever been so unproductive. But I do my best.
If you are new to my blog – welcome. I am Ukrainian and located in Western Ukraine. My friend Denzil is helping us gather money for the Ukrainian army, if you want to help, you can reach out to him. I have a lot of info HERE.
My today’s card is one featuring the Sweet Garden Birds stamp set from Simon Says Stamp. It is an older set, but so pretty! I don’t know why I haven’t used it in the past.
I used blue & yellow colors, still inspired by all the blue & yellow cards on Instagram. I also added a touch of green by stamping one of the wings in green. The flowers in this set are beautiful, but there aren’t any leaves, so I substituted the green that would have been brought in by the leaves by stamping the wing in green.
I did the mirror technique for the sentiment, I taught it in a video for Simon’s Spring Workshop HERE, it is free.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Sweet Garden Birds Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamps and Dies Sweet Garden Birds Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Sweet Garden Birds Wafer Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Cz Design Clear Stamps Clean Line XL Shop at: SSS |
 CZ Design Sentiment Strips Reverse Well Wishes Shop at: SSS |
 Neenah 80lb Solar White Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Audrey Blue Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 MISTI Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Pearfection Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Limelicious Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Sunbeam Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Ocean Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Surf Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Seafoam Shop at: SSS |
 Fun Foam Sheets Shop at: SSS |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS |
 White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS |
danshellusa
March 29, 2022Beautiful card! You may not be as productive but your work sure has not suffered. Gorgeous as always.
I have sent money via Denzil and pray for you and Ukraine several times a day. I can’t imagine living in a war zone. And you are still making cards! Keep safe and know that you have many people praying and helping in whatever way they can!
Yana Smakula
March 31, 2022thank you so much for your kind words and your support!
JaLynn
March 29, 2022I’m praying for you and all of your fellow citizens of Ukraine. I don’t know how you are being this productive! Your creations are beautiful, as always. Please stay safe. I can’t imagine what you are all going through.
Yana Smakula
March 31, 2022Thank you, JaLynn. Making cards is my medicine, I don’t know what I’d do without the card making.
Shelly P
March 29, 2022This card is so lovely, Yana. Be kind to yourself. It’s very hard to be creative when you are under stress. Honestly, I don’t know how you’ve been so productive. The most important thing is to know is that we have no expectations of you, and we send you only our strength and heartfelt wishes this war will end very soon. We think of you everyday and wish you to feel peace and calm and safe. Do what ever makes you feel better. We will be here no matter what! We love you!
Terrie D. (StarSpry)
March 29, 2022Your card is so beautiful! I am glad you and your family are safe. I pray for you, and you country every day!
spilor
March 29, 2022Hi, Yana. Do NOT apologize. We understand that every day is a fight for survival. You are under extreme mental duress. We love seeing what you show but we do not expect it at all. We just hunger for news that you are still safe. I said to my husband last night that one day I hope to give you a big hug in person. I hope to meet you one day when this horrid, awful war is over. Stay strong, sister!
Lori S in PA
p.s. Thanks for linking the other technique… I had missed those workshops and was glad to see that earlier video from you.
Jessica
March 29, 2022I agree with Spilor/Lori S with every word 🙂
gigi1754
March 29, 2022Yana, your card is beautiful! Please go easy on yourself! I can’t even imagine what you are going through and the strength you have. Everyone deserves a few mental health days and you are no exception. Praying for you, your family and country.
Robi Wax
March 29, 2022Beautiful card, as usual. Hope you are taking care of yourself. Stay safe.
SHEILA BROWN
March 29, 2022Hello Yana. This is a beautiful card as are all of your others. We (hubby and I) watch the tragedy and brutal war that is happening in Ukraine. As with millions of others around the world we pray that peace will soon prevail in your homeland. Stay safe beautiful lady. Love and big hugs to you and your family. xx
Carol McCready
March 29, 2022The cards are beautiful. I love the colors.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Reed
March 29, 2022Beautiful card as always. You are very talented and we are so grateful that you share your amazing creations with us. You, your family and you country are in our daily prayers.
gabmccann
March 30, 2022You are so so inspiring Yana. I can’t even imagine what your life must be like so to even have one ounce of creativity left amazes me
Stephanie
April 13, 2022Your art inspires everyone facing grief and traumatic change to find – or make – and hold on to beauty. At times, to “hold on to beauty” means you hold on to it in your heart, knowing that you will act on it when you can.
Tara Prince
September 16, 2022so super sweet